WPSA Scholarship Awards

WPSA Scholarship Awards winners 2000

To mark the success of the 1992 World’s Poultry Congress in Amsterdam, the Netherlands Branch of the World’s Poultry Science Association established a series of special scholarship awards. The scholarships, worth Dfl 25,000, are normally made in each of three categories representing the WPSA’s three main areas of activity: Research, Education, and Industry/Organization.

The Research Scholarship is awarded to a scientist who is making an outstanding contribution to his or her chosen field. Education is interpreted broadly, including contributions in the form of books, other publications, instructional films and videos, or the development of training programs. The Industry/Organization Scholarship is awarded to an individual or organization who has made an outstanding contribution to the poultry industry during the five years immediately preceding a World’s Congress. Scholarship recipients or leaders of the group/organization must have been members of the WPSA for at least two years before the World’s Congress at which the awards are presented.

The WPSA Scholarship Awards Committee, under the chairmanship of Dr. Piet Simons, Secretary of the WPSA, announced the second group of winners of these scholarships for 2000 at the XXI World’s Poultry Congress in Montreal, Canada.

WPSA Paul B. Siegel Research Award

professor peter surai

The Research Scholarship was awarded to Professor Peter Surai, DSc. Professor Surai began his research work at the Poultry Research Institute, Borky, Ukraine, in 1978 after graduating with honors in biochemistry from Kharkov State University. Starting as a research technician, he later became Head of the Department of Physiology, Biochemistry, and Nutrition, and Professor of Physiology.

In 1994, Professor Surai received a British Council fellowship to conduct research at the Scottish Agricultural College (SAC), UK, and later received a Royal Society/NATO International Fellowship. His main research interest is antioxidants and their role in avian reproduction. In 1981, he explored the vitamin E concentration in turkey semen and established that this vitamin stabilizes sperm membranes. The WPSA Research Scholarship will enable Professor Surai to expand his work on antioxidant systems in poultry production and establish his own research group at SAC.

WPSA Education Award

Dr. S.F. Bilgili & IPC Livestock innovation and practical training centre

The Education Scholarship was shared between Dr. S.F. Bilgili from Auburn University, Alabama, USA, and the IPC Livestock Innovation and Practical Training Centre at Barneveld, The Netherlands.

Dr. Bilgili’s research and extension work have focused on live production and processing technologies to improve broiler quality and yield. His work has resulted in numerous publications and has had a direct impact on the broiler industry. He has also developed educational programs in poultry processing and product technology and has taught poultry science to undergraduate and graduate students for over a decade.

Barneveld College is part of a group of innovation and practical training centers in The Netherlands, focused on livestock production, poultry husbandry, and related sectors. For over 30 years, Barneveld College has provided practical training in poultry husbandry worldwide, including cooperation with government and non-government organizations to establish training centers abroad. The Education Scholarship will support their continued work in disseminating poultry husbandry knowledge.

Industry / Organization Award

Poultry Health Institute of Catalonia (CESAC)

The Industry Scholarship was awarded to the Poultry Health Institute of Catalonia (CESAC). CESAC was founded in 1987 after an agreement between the Department of Agriculture of Catalonia, the Cooperatives, and the Catalonia Poultry Federation. Poultry production accounts for 15% of Catalonia’s gross agricultural income. CESAC’s objectives are to assist the poultry industry by developing disease eradication plans, controlling poultry health and quality, and providing regular information to the industry and consumers. CESAC also runs a service laboratory for poultry disease diagnosis and organizes training for farmers, technicians, and veterinarians.

WPSA Scholarship Awards